Circled by perpetual swarms of traffic, the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road is a large Western-style symbol of Thailand’s adoption of democracy and liberty, yet another prominent monument in Bangkok. The monument is roughly halfway between Khao San Road and the temple of The Golden Mount (Wat Saket).

Democracy Monument

The Democracy Monument itself is an attraction, just like the Victory Monument (a large military monument in Bangkok). It is a nice place to stop by if you are going to the Golden Mount or if you are around Khao San Road as it is pretty close to both places. There are 75 cannonballs around the base, to signify the year BE (Buddhist Era) 2475 (AD 1932); the four wings of the monument stand 24 meters tall, representing 24 June, the day the constitution was signed; and the central plinth stands 3 meters high (June was then the third month in the Thai calendar) and supports a chiselled constitution. Each wing has bas-reliefs depicting soldiers, police and civilians who helped usher in the modern Thai state. A beautiful piece of architecture for photographer.

How to get to Democracy Monument

Take Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (Chao Phraya Tourist Boat – One Day River Pass) from Sathorn (Central) Pier (Saphan Taksin BTS Station) and get off at Phra Athit Pier (N13). Once at the pier, walk out onto the street and anyone there will be able to give you quick directions to the Democracy Monument. It is a 10-minute walk.

As that area is a notable stop on the Banana Pancake Trail, I found a very nice Thai Pan Cakes street hawker stall just beside the monument. Do not leave Bangkok without trying the pancakes as they are one of the local delicacies. You can find stalls selling them on the street and the cost of a pancake can range from 8 Baht to 30 Baht. The pancake is fried over a pan and once done toppings such as condensed milk, chocolate, etc. We ate banana pancake coated with sugar and condensed milk. Though a little bit sweet but it was amazing. You got to try these. The biggest dream of my life is to eat and eat and eat and eat until I die.